Tim Waples, Graham Andrews (Heineken), Jason Prior and Gyles Brandreth at the FLTA Awards.

An investment of just GBP60 led to a 95% reduction in damage costs and saw Heineken UK win the Fork Lift Truck Association's (FLTA) Safe Site Award in the association's annual awards.

Last year, the international drinks manufacturer was a highly commended finalist in the category. Not satisfied with a runner-up slot, those responsible for forklift safety redoubled their efforts to safeguard both staff and site visitors. Their achievements saw them become this year's stand-out winner..

Through the Perfect Forklift Experience initiative, Heineken's Hereford Cider Mills factory has increased safety and reduced damage across its forklift fleet. The project sees teams of workers take responsibility for truck care and minor maintenance - with rewards for good performance. Among the initiatives within this program is a special cleaning station that is stocked with everything needed to look after a truck - even paints for repairing scratches to bodywork.

To overcome the potential barrier of worker literacy, the company cleverly implemented instructional videos, accessed via QR-coded stickers in the maintenance area. This allows workers to see - quickly and easily - how particular checks and maintenance are performed. Designed for cost-efficiency, the whole QR video system was implemented for less than GBP60 (USD85).

As a result of the program, damage costs at the Hereford factory have dropped by nearly 95% and the system has now been adopted around the world by the company.

FLTA chief executive Peter Harvey praises Heineken for not resting on its laurels, but instead using last year's recognition as a motivator. "Their efforts are truly admirable and will hopefully inspire other companies to follow their sterling example," he says.

The award winners were announced recently in Forkliftaction News.